Discussion: Time-symmetric quantum counterfactuals

Abstract

There is a trend to consider counterfactuals as invariably time-asymmetric. Recently, this trend manifested itself in the controversy about validity of counterfactual application of a time-symmetric quantum probability rule. Kastner (2003) analyzed this controversy and concluded that there are time-symmetric quantum counterfactuals which are consistent, but they turn out to be trivial. I correct Kastner's misquotation of my defense of time-symmetric quantum counterfactuals and explain their non-trivial aspects, thus contesting the claim that counterfactuals have to be time-asymmetric.

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 91,386

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

  • Only published works are available at libraries.

Similar books and articles

Weak values and consistent histories in quantum theory.Ruth Kastner - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (1):57-71.
Time-Symmetrised Quantum Theory, Counterfactuals and 'Advanced Action'.R. E. Kastner - 1999 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 30 (2):237-259.
Does quantum electrodynamics have an arrow of time?☆.David Atkinson - 2005 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 37 (3):528-541.
Time Symmetry and the Many-Worlds Interpretation.Lev Vaidman - 2009 - In Simon Saunders, Jonathan Barrett, Adrian Kent & David Wallace (eds.), Many Worlds?: Everett, Quantum Theory & Reality. Oxford University Press.
Time's Arrow and Irreversibility in Time‐Asymmetric Quantum Mechanics.Mario Castagnino, Manuel Gadella & Olimpia Lombardi - 2005 - International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 19 (3):223 – 243.
Time-symmetrised quantum theory, counterfactuals and 'advanced action'.E. R. - 1999 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 30 (2):237-259.
Space-time counterfactuals.J. Finkelstein - 1999 - Synthese 119 (3):287-298.

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
74 (#219,135)

6 months
5 (#638,139)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Lev Vaidman
Tel Aviv University

Citations of this work

Everett and structure.David Wallace - 2003 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 34 (1):87-105.

Add more citations